Control and Complexity in Novel Object Enrichment

Authors: Sambrook, T.D.; Buchanan-Smith, H.M.

Source: Animal Welfare, Volume 6, Number 3, August 1997 , pp. 207-216(10)

Publisher: Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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Abstract:

We discuss the properties of controllability and complexity in novel object enrichment, their definition and present a critique of previous work related to them. We address the relationship between control and complexity, the evolutionary basis of their attractiveness and suggest that the acquisition of control may be a more enriching process than its execution. We propose that, although little work has been directed at separating their relative contributions to enrichment, controllability appears more important than complexity. We discuss the ways in which objects can be responsive both in terms of the predictability of the response and the 'grade' of actor-object interaction.

Keywords: ANIMAL WELFARE; CONTROL; COMPLEXITY; ENRICHMENT; NOVEL OBJECT; RESPONSIVE

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 1997-08-01